Storytelling

Module 1: Introduction to storytelling


Lesson 1.1 The power of stories

Objectives:

• Know the definition of storytelling

• You will be able to understand the importance of storytelling and

• how it shaped culture and communication

Examples in sentences:

1. He grew up with a strong tradition of oral story-telling.
2. His storytelling skills are remarkable.

(source; Cambridge dictionary)

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Definition of
terms:

Importance of storytelling in human culture

Storytelling is a fundamental part of being human, and lies at the hearts of every culture around the world. The act of storytelling allows us to share information in a way that makes an emotional connection. This makes it possible to have a much deeper understanding of other people's experiences.

Before record-keeping or as some would call it writing, there was storytelling. There is no culture where storytelling does not exist; it's purpose is to inform, entertain, and exchange experiences and promulgate traditions and values.

Before 3400 BCE, humans would store and share information using oral storytelling. During ancient Celtic times they had a "Bard" to tell stories, pass down history by mouth, make music and verses. These bards are employed by a patron(Monarch/chieftain) to show respect/praise to the patron's ancestors and the patrons themselves.

Prior to Ireland being conquered by the English, storytellers called the seanchais or seanchaithe(known as the bearer of old lore). These Individuals are servants to the heads of lineages and keep track of important information for them: laws, genealogies, annals, literature, and so much more. After the English conquest this role was devalued.

The Philippines is no stranger to oral storytelling as well. Oral storytelling plays a pivotal role in shaping the values: love, respect, hard work, and commitment in Filipino culture. Before the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan, Filipinos relied on keeping and sharing stories by using a word of mouth. Passing down tales, myths, superstitions, virtues and values generation to generation.

Importance of storytelling in communication.

In communication, storytelling is one of the foundational skills according to Allison Carter's article titled "What storytelling means to communicators". The same goes for business, storytelling is used to persuade employees to reach a certain goal and to convince customers to buy the service/product.

Even outside the corporate world, storytelling is crucial in other areas. You're a stand up comedian that wants to entertain an audience? Tell them a funny story. You're a prosecutor trying to convince the jury to take your side? Tell them a story during closing arguments to further support your case. With the relevance of storytelling in our day to day lives, it is most prevalent in this area: literature.

Here are examples...

1. Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

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Examples of Impactful stories:

2. The Yellow wall paper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

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Examples of Impactful stories:

3. The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe.

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Examples of Impactful stories:

Open Ended

So far, What have you learned? Type down in 1 paragraph.

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